"I felt really good," he said Tuesday at Wrigley Field. "I was uncomfortable throughout the first couple [innings] but settled in nicely as things went on and started to feel like I knew how to get some of those guys out. I got to 94 pitches and that was where the mark was and I feel really good today."

The last outing of Spring Training for starting pitchers is usually a shorter one, and that's where Arrieta is in his progression. With Arrieta still needing time to rehab, Carlos Villanueva will stay in the rotation, manager Rick Renteria said.

Arrieta did serve up three home runs on Monday, but said the wind was blowing out in Clearwater, Fla.

"I still need to be more efficient with my changeup," Arrieta said. "It's tough in those type of situations trying to force it when it's not necessary. I still got to throw everything, got built up and feel good today and those are the most important signs."